GB770553A - Improvements in or relating to machines for applying connectors to electrical conductors from a strip of connectors - Google Patents

Abstract

770,553. Making electrical connectors. AMP, Inc., [formerly AIRCRAFT-MARINE PRODUCTS, Inc.]. Sept. 8, 1954 [Sept. 9, 1953], No. 26006/54. Classes 83 (2) and 83 (4). Jointing by stamping.- A machine for applying connectors to electrical conductors from a continuous strip of connectors comprises a feed mechanism having driving means for moving said strip a unit length in each connector applying cycle of the machine, and means operatively associated with the driving means for varying the limits of the feed stroke of the feed mechanism, said driving means comprising a fluid cylinder having a piston and pistonrod assembly therein and said feed mechanism ineluding a strip-contacting feed finger connected to said assembly and positioned selectively to engage said strip. The machine is operated pneumatically through linkage 36 and comprises a ram 22 carrying upper crimping dies 24 and a base-plate assembly 28 supporting a lower die assembly 30 and a feed mechanism 32 for feeding a continuous strip of terminals. In operation the strip is fed through guides until the end terminal is positioned between the dies and a length of wire 39 with bared end is fed through a shield 40 and into the terminal. As the terminal is crimped on the wire it is severed from the strip and the crimping operation triggers the feeding mechanism 32 to position the next terminal between the dies after the return stroke of the ram. A block 44 carries the feed mechanism and a strip guide plate 46 which adjustably supports a pneumatic cylinder 52 for actuating the feed mechanism. The pistonrod 56 of the feed cylinder 52 pivotally carries a feed finger 58 spring-loaded into engagement with the terminal strip. A stop 55 on the end plate of the cylinder limits the forward stroke of the piston and the limit of feed of the strip may be controlled by moving the adjustably mounted feed cylinder block 50 by rotating the feed screw 66. The block may be locked in position by a clamp screw 72, To ensure that only one terminal at a time is fed a stroke adjustment block 76 is adjustably clamped to the piston-rod 56 and this block limits the return stroke of the spring-loaded piston 54 by abutting against the end wall of the cylinder. Block 76 also carries a guide finger 80 which extends over the end of cylinder 52 and prevents rotation of piston-rod 56. A spring-loaded drag plate 84 frictionally engages the strip 38 to prevent the strip being dragged backwardly on the return stroke of the feed finger 58. The drag plate is positioned by levelling screws 86 and the spring-loading may be varied by rotating wing-nuts 94. The cylinder 52 is connected to an air pressure source through a solenoid-controlled valve 100 actuated by a microswitch 102 (Fig. 2) which in turn is actuated by an adjustable stop-pin 104 on the arm 106 of the driving linkage 36. Stop-pin 104 is adjusted to initiate the feeding mechanism after the dies have been retracted and the completed connection removed. In a modification the solenoid valve 100 and microswitch 102 are replaced by a mechanically-actuated valve 110 (Fig. 7). In operation, on the upward stroke of the ram a spring 122 attached to lever 106 moves the valve to the " off " position. The pin connection of the spring on the lever 106 moves on a slot 118 in a rod 113 attached to the valve so that on downward movement of the lever 106 the pin engages the bottom of the slot to force rod 113 downwardly to open the valve and so initiate the feeding operation. Compressed air enters the inlet 124 of the valve and through a hole in a rotatable plate 128 with an annular chamber 130 and an outlet 126a to the feed cylinder 52. The exhaust port 132 is closed by the plate 128. In the " off " position the inlet orifice 124a is closed by the plate 128 and a hole in the plate registers with the exhaust port 132 and outlet 126a and the air pressure in the feed cylinder escapes to atmosphere. Specification 665,592 is referred to.